In the mountain massif near Spain’s capital lies a stunning architectural complex, recently officially recognized by the Guinness Book of Records. This is the basilica in the Valley of the Fallen, now known as the Valle de Cuelgamuros. Stretching 260 meters, it is the largest in the world. Entirely carved inside a granite mountain, this monumental site stands as one of the most controversial and striking landmarks in the capital region, blending grandeur with a complex historical legacy.
Few tourists visiting this area realize that beneath the Risco de la Nava rock hides one of the most ambitious engineering and architectural feats of 20th-century Europe. Its sheer scale inspires as much awe as debate over its origins. Construction of the sanctuary was completed in 1959, after nearly two decades of intense labor. For comparison, its main nave is almost three times longer than that of the famous Notre-Dame Cathedral.
The project was carried out under the direction of architects Pedro Muguruza and Diego Méndez from 1940 to 1958. The entire temple complex is carved into the bedrock, and it is crowned by a colossal cross standing 152.4 meters tall. This cross, recognized as the tallest in the world, can be seen from more than forty kilometers away and serves as the main landmark of the entire memorial. According to the documentation submitted to register the record, measurements were taken from the outer bronze doors to the intricately carved walnut choir at the end of the crypt.
The interior impresses with its scale. The maximum height of the vault in the central nave reaches 41 meters, with a width of 18 meters. The architects used a clever technique: the main nave is set lower than the altar, visually deepening the perspective and drawing attention to the presbytery. On each side are two chapels that form part of the Way of the Cross. Behind their walls lie ossuaries, the resting place of tens of thousands of Civil War combatants from both the Republican and Nationalist sides. Official figures cite nearly 34,000 burials, although some researchers believe the actual number could exceed 50,000.
The construction of the complex involved the use of prison labor under a redemption sentence system, particularly from 1942 to 1950. Today, the site is managed by the state organization “Patrimonio Nacional” and is undergoing reinterpretation in line with the Law of Democratic Memory. This law calls for changes to the memorial’s purpose and defines the future of the Benedictine community, which still resides there.
The complex is open to visitors from Tuesday to Sunday. During the winter season, from October to March, opening hours are from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. A standard ticket costs 9 euros, with a reduced rate of 4 euros. Despite ongoing debates about its history, this monument remains one of the most striking examples of Spanish architecture and continues to attract those eager to understand the scale and the shadows of one of the most iconic landmarks, not only in Madrid but worldwide.
